Greetings, everyone.

We kicked off the new year with a Planter Session about “Church Planting Reefs” (click here to view the entire discussion). During the enlightening discussion between Scott Sanders and Geneva Push Coaching Director Craig Tucker, about how to navigate the various pitfalls and perils of church planting, they recommended several resources. Read on, for a quick yet considered check-list of resources that can help any church planter to be aware – and strive to steer clear – of those hazardous reefs. 

As a terrific place to dive in, Scott reckons that you can't go past Ed Stetzer's Planting Missional Churches book. It's a top read,  and is great to dip into, for guidance on different areas of church planting. To give you a strong taste of how helpful Ed can be, when it comes to avoiding potential perils of church planting, click here to download a copy of 7 Top Issues Church Planters Face. This article is a condensed version of Ed's thoughts, and should entice you to wanting to read more in Planting Missional Churches.

During the “Church Planting Reefs” session, Scott highlighted Ed's “7 Top Issues” article. He also strongly recommended Tom Nebel and Gary Rohrmayer's book Church Planting Landmines: Mistakes To Avoid in Years 2 Through 10. Long title, terrific resource, that records many first-hand stories and then thinks through some of the possible solutions. Most helpful for understanding key issues that any planter may face, during the first decade of church life. 

Click here to download the first chapter of Church Planting Landmines: Mistakes to Avoid In Years 2 Through 10

Other recommended titles include Tim Keller's Center Church (good BUT very detailed; Click here to read more about Center Church) and Craig is a big fan of Lyle Schaller's 44 Questions For Church Planters. Although this was published a while ago, and has dated, Craig suggests that just reading the 44 questions – and mulling them over – can aid your avoidance of potential reefs. Click here to check out 44 Questions For Church Planters.

Finally, Scott and Craig recommend two Bible Study series. The Good Book Company has put out “Gospel Centred Church”, which can be a good series for your core team to think through mission and church, together. Click here to access Gospel Centred Church.

As Clayton Fopp, one of Geneva's coaches, was preparing his own core team, he created a “Lessons for New Churches” Bible Study series. Click here to access Lessons for New Churches.

Plenty for you to tuck into, as you prayerfully endeavour to guard yourself, your leadership team, and congregation, against the devastation of “Church Planting Reefs”.

– Ed.